Sticks and Stones by Regina Kyle

 

Holden

When Cooper Briggs shows up back in town, the last thing I expect is for him to take over my ice. Even worse? How much he still gets to me.

I rebuilt my life after the hit that ended my hockey career. Curling wasn’t the plan, but somewhere along the way, it became the thing that gave me a way back onto the ice without breaking all over again.

Then Cooper walks in like he belongs here. Like there aren’t years of history between us—or one moment I’ve never been able to forget.

Now we’re stuck sharing a rink, which means seeing way more of each other than I’d like. But when a storm traps us there overnight, avoiding Cooper gets a whole lot harder. So does avoiding everything we’ve never said.

Because the truth is, I haven’t let go of what happened.

The worse truth?

I’m starting to wonder if Cooper is the one thing I don’t want to let go of.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/258463703-sticks-and-stones

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

The last person Holden wants to share a rink with is Cooper. The history between them goes back to high school where a hit on the ice led to the end of Holden’s hockey career. And the blame is on Cooper. Holden worked hard to move on from hockey and find his love for the ice again though this time with curling. But seeing Cooper all the time as he coaches his high school team? Not so great. But when the two of them get trapped at the rink thanks to a storm, it may finally be time to clear the air. And in doing so, realize this thing between them may be a lot more than anger. Really cute short story! This story just made me want a whole book about them! But I felt like we got a lot in this. These two clearly had something between them and now they had a chance to finally move on and look to the future. A great short story all around!

Heir Duology Book 2: Empire by Sabaa Tahir

 

Heir Duology Book 2

The gripping conclusion to the action-packed, ruthless, and romantic fantasy duology that began with HEIR, from the #1 New York Times bestselling and National Book Award–winning author Sabaa Tahir.

A crumbling empire.

An ancient evil.

A lost homeland.

A lie that could destroy the world.

In the crumbling Martial Empire, crown prince Quil Farrar and his aunt, Empress Helene, are losing a war against the vicious Kegari horde. Quil’s armies dwindle, his faith falters, and the woman he loves vanished months ago, leaving him brokenhearted. Torn between his duty to his people and his desire to discover Sirsha’s fate, Quil embarks on a dangerous quest for aid—from the most treacherous of allies.

Sirsha Westering finds herself tethered to Div, an ancient evil unleashed by a terrible tragedy. Div delights in tormenting Sirsha, hungering for her magical heart. Even as Sirsha struggles for control of her own fate, she is desperate to shield Quil from Div’s destructive power. But Div won’t release Sirsha without a fight. To earn her freedom, Sirsha must uncover Div’s past—and face horrors in her own.

Cero bet-Dafra, former right hand of the Kegari leader, Aiz, now finds himself pitted against her. As Aiz slips further into violence and delusion, Cero must discover if his people have any hope of a future or if they’re condemned to an unending cycle of violence. His journey will force him to confront hidden truths, ancient secrets, and a lie that could destroy the world.

In Empire, #1 New York Times bestselling author Sabaa Tahir returns to the expansive world of fury and vengeance of Heir, weaving a story of legacy and rebellion, of loyalty and freedom, and of what it means to confront the monsters that lurk within us all.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/249021494-empire

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

A great conclusion to this duology! Also shoutout to the author for putting a bit of a recap of the previous book, because it had been a while since I read Heir and I didn’t do a reread LOL! But getting back into the story was easy enough, details started to come back the more I read. And this was a really great ending to this two book set. And I really hope this isn’t the end of stories told in this world! With that ending, I could definitely see certain characters getting their own books. But we shall see! So Empire. It picks up shortly after the previous book. Quil is desperate to know what happened to Sirsha after she disappeared when she destroyed Div. He knows she must be alive because their Adah coin is still around his neck, but not knowing if she is safe is truly killing him. But he can’t go after her just yet. The Kegari are still attacking especially since Aiz lived. He must help his own people. Meanwhile, Sirsha had killed Div just for her to come back and attach herself to Sirsha. Now she must figure out how to rid of Div forever. But she can’t put those she loves in danger. She is on her own. In addition to Quil and Sirsha’s point of views, we also have Cero. He has seen just how far Aiz has fallen and knows he must stop her. His own journey won’t be easy but he won’t be alone. He gets some unexpected help. Lots going on in this story! We get so many surprises as everyone fights so hard to protect those they love. This was just a really satisfying conclusion to this series. Lot of happy endings and open endings and like I said, I hope to come back to this world one day! 

Emergency Contact by CG Macington

 

Dr. Liam Winters has built walls around his heart after a devastating betrayal. As Metropolitan General's respected emergency physician, he's all about saving lives—not risking his own heart again.

Until paramedic supervisor Noah Bennet wheels in a trauma patient, and everything changes.

Their connection is immediate and inexplicable. They anticipate each other's moves in the trauma bay without words. They finish each other's medical procedures before instructions are given. And the electricity between them? Impossible to ignore.

As their paths continue to cross in life-or-death situations, Liam and Noah's professional synchronicity evolves into something deeper—an intense attraction neither man can deny. When they begin a passionate affair, hospital gossip spreads faster than a code blue announcement.

But their instant love faces real-world a prestigious fellowship offer, an ex-boyfriend's unwelcome return, and the challenges of balancing high-stress medical careers with a budding relationship.

Can two men who save lives daily rescue each other's hearts? Or will past wounds and career ambitions tear apart the connection that felt destined from their very first meeting?

A steamy, emotional MM medical romance featuring instalove, workplace romance, hurt/comfort, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/229524889-emergency-contact

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

When it comes to his job as an ER doctor, Liam knows exactly what to do. But when it comes to his love life? Well, he’s been hurt enough to guard his heart. He’ll focus on his career. That is, until paramedic supervisor, Noah, walks into his ER. They way they work together so flawlessly baffles not just everyone around them but especially Liam and Noah. It’s like reading one another’s minds. They move together and know exactly what the other needs. A connection like that? How can you ignore it? Especially when it exists outside the ER. Neither have felt this way before and they’re on the same page of not wanting to let it go. Knowing that this thing between them could be really special if given a chance. But when challenges arise that threaten this newfound relationship, can they find their way through it? Really enjoyed getting to know Liam and Noah! It was like reading about soulmates who found one another in their next lifetime. Just a really sweet story with these two!

A Conspiracy of Charming Monsters: Illustrated Tales from Elfhame by Holly Black

 

From the brilliant mind of #1 New York Times bestselling author Holly Black comes a collection of short stories, gorgeously illustrated in full color and set in the Faerie world, where beauty can be monstrous and love can be capricious….

A reluctant king is thrown into turmoil when the girl he loves to hate is stolen by the Undersea.

An exiled redcap, trapped in the mortal world, must rediscover his inner monster.

A mortal girl sacrifices the other half of herself for an unworthy faerie lover. 

A tiny sprite’s determination to prove herself puts the entire High Court in danger.

In this collection, #1 New York Times bestselling author Holly Black combines her signature wit and lush world-building with stunning full-color art by Frostbite Studios in six irresistible tales that return readers to the world of the Modern Faerie Tales and Elfhame, including two never-before-seen stories: one revealing the interior life of Madoc while in exile and the other featuring the moment that High King Cardan realizes what he most desires.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/249755067-a-conspiracy-of-charming-monsters

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

From the world of The Folk of the Air, we get a beautiful illustrated book filled with short stories set in that world. Six stories, two of which are new! And the main ones I’ll focus on since I have read the other stories before. The first new one deals with Madoc and his life post war. Living in the mortal world isn’t exactly easy for him. But let’s just say it doesn’t take long for him to find his own source of entertainment and to fulfill that need that comes with being a redcap. And the other story might be a favorite of mine. It’s the moment in book 2, The Wicked King, where Jude is taken to the Undersea. But this time? We get Cardan’s point of view. So good!! I’ve definitely been curious to his thoughts when he loses Jude. And boy it is telling. Turns out, this is the moment he realizes exactly what she means to him. And he is willing to do quite a lot to get her back. The other stories in the collection are ones released before. But all come with some beautiful illustrations from one of my favorite artists, Solenne Songer (aka Frostbite Studios). If you are a fan of these series, you definitely want to pick this book up!

The Wicked Powers Book 1: The Last King of Faerie by Cassandra Clare

 

The Wicked Powers Book 1

It’s Drusilla Blackthorn’s fourth year at Shadowhunter Academy when a chance encounter at a nightclub turns into a kidnapping. Dru finds herself held prisoner by Prince Ash Morgenstern in the land of Faerie, a place that proves just as dangerous as it is beautiful. Despite herself, Dru is drawn to Ash and the darkness that seems to surround him—but one false move could cost her life. 

Meanwhile, a shocking disappearance rocks the foundations of the Shadowhunter world. Kit Herondale and Ty Blackthorn must set aside the bitterness that lingers between them and join forces on a perilous quest to save everything they cherish.

The first installment of the long-awaited concluding trilogy to the Shadowhunter Chronicles has all the nail-biting adventure, heart-pounding romance, and trademark humor that makes Cassandra Clare the reigning queen of YA romantasy.

https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/247655090-the-last-king-of-faerie

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

It feels like it’s been a while since I’ve been in the Shadowhunters world and it is great to be back! This is the start of the final trilogy of this world. Makes me sad to know there are only a few books left, but what a big world it has been. It’s time for the next generation to tell the story, and the main leads are Dru and Ash, Kit and Ty. With plenty of other povs sprinkled throughout as well. It’s been four years since we’ve seen everyone and things are about to change. So what exactly is going on? Well, everything kicks off when Dru and Clary are kidnapped to Faerie. With Janus holding captive Clary, Ash is doing his best to protect Dru even if it means she is a bit of a prisoner. Janus and the Queen of Seelie have plans that even Ash doesn’t fully know. But Dru and Clary aren’t the only ones who have disappeared. When Ty goes to Kit for help, they both watch helplessly has Kit’s family vanishes before their eyes. And they aren’t the only ones. All the Shadowhunters are disappearing. Right when they were trying to reach peace agreements with the group of zealot Shadowhunters that trapped themselves in Idris. Coincidence? Looks like not. But as Ty and Kit try to help their loved ones, they are pulled into a new quest. The only way into Faerie is if Kit fulfills his path as the Heir. Only the Heir can enter Faerie now. Can they do it before someone stops them? What a crazy beginning to this trilogy!! And the ending? Oh boy. I cannot wait to see what happens next. But I loved being back with all these characters. Especially Ty and Kit who we left off with in a bad place with one another. We’ve also been teased so much Dru and Ash, it was nice to see them thrown together. But man, like all past couples in this series, you know they are gonna have a lot go through before they get their happy endings. Overall, we have a pretty crazy storyline going on. The stakes are higher than ever and I can’t wait to see how it all plays out in the end!

For Puck’s Sake Book 15: Sudden Shootout by Crea Reitan

 

For Puck’s Sake Book 15

No one likes change…

Since the first time we accidentally brought a guy home, it’s been niggling in the back of my mind. Questions. Curiosities. Interest. Hesitation.

When my two closest friends and teammates are traded from Winnipeg, I find myself feeling abandoned and sinking into a funk. The feeling of being alone is only compounded when I find my two local friends fooling around together. 

Then they ask me to join them and I can no longer ignore the questions inside.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/258526477-sudden-shootout

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

Zenia is realizing that he doesn’t like change. Losing two of his best friends to trades, just overall sucks. And it’s hitting him harder than he thought it could. In doing so, he feels himself pulling away just a bit from those who are still here. But Carson and Kroy won’t let him. Especially when they realize just how much Zenia needs them. Zenia, Carson, Kroy, Denny, and Ren are close. Closer in a lot of ways compared to other friend groups. Even when Denny and Ren found their partners, they remained so. But the distance really puts a strain on how much this group loves one another and how together, they are a family. They are home. But in those two leaving, it gives Zenia, Carson, and Kroy a chance to come together in a way they didn’t exactly expect. What starts off as Carson and Kroy fooling around together, leads to them asking Zenia to join. They need one another. In more ways than one. And in this new unlabeled relationship between them, it is making them realize just how much. And that maybe they were always meant to come together this way. What a journey it is for these three! It’s no denying how close this friend group is. And though you hurt for them to know that they feel like pieces of them are missing while losing two of their friends to distance, it’s so sweet to see them come together and find something that they truly didn’t realize what was missing between them all these years they’ve known one another. And it gives themselves a chance to figure out who they are as individuals too. Finding their safe spaces. I really enjoyed getting to know these three and watch them take their friendship and develop it into something so much deeper. Always fun visiting this world and the many characters in it. And I’m looking forward to more!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Bluebird Day by Rye Cox

 

There's always something to look forward to after a shitstorm.

David Liu

I thought nothing could be worse than being cheated on, then my ex proves me wrong by parading around his affair partner at our cousins' wedding.

It's a week and a half long event at a ski lounge, and I'm stuck watching their sickening PDA. Not only that, my ex is set on rubbing his new relationship in my face at every chance he can get.

As if things aren't complicated enough, my ex's other cousin offers himself as a buffer.

Jensen lives abroad and is the free spirit of his family. I'm warned against him. He's known as a bit of a Casanova, and I allegedly fall in love with any man who can make me laugh (which I do not! I vow never to love again).

But Jensen's more than just the funny guy who's helping me keep my ex off my back. The more time we spend together, the more I want to dive straight into complicated and forget all about my vow of singlehood.

Even if it's all fake, I know he's mine to keep.

Bluebird Day is a standalone fake dating MM holiday romance featuring endless banter, one nosy family, an MC who swore off love (who's he kidding?), stranded on a ski lift ;), and a slow burn that ends in the sweetest happily ever after.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/258382354-bluebird-day

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My Review: 4/5 Stars

It was bad enough that his ex of five years cheated on him, but now David has to see his ex and the guy he cheated with at his best friend’s wedding. In front of a lot of family. Talk about a nightmare. And just as Clark is rubbing it in David’s face, David gets a surprise when someone wraps an arm around him and calls him babe. It’s Jensen to the rescue. Jensen can’t stand his cousin, Clark, and when he sees how he is treating David, he doesn’t hesitate to step in. Fake boyfriends for a wedding week? What can go wrong? Turns out it is really hard to be fake boyfriends with someone you are actually attracted to in more ways than one. Because the chemistry between David and Jensen is great and the more they actually spend time together, the harder these two are falling. But can they really fall that fast? Especially with their pasts? For David, opening his heart again is scary and he thought he wouldn’t again. But Jensen is threatening that at every turn. And for Jensen, he’s never been in a serious relationship. Not because he didn’t want to, but no one sticks around thanks to Jensen’s love of adventures and travel. But maybe these two just need to find that one person who wants to stick around for each other. Loved their story! This was a fun and cute holiday romance! 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.